Two Jacksonville City Council committees this week supported legislation that would expand Sheriff T.K. Waters’ influence over potential settlements in lawsuits against his officers, despite warnings from city officials that such a move could increase the city’s liability insurance costs or prompt the insurer to drop the city altogether.
Introduced by Waters, the bill would require constitutional officers’ approval in lawsuit settlements involving members of their staff. The bill passed in the Rules and Finance committees with council members arguing the sheriff and other elected officials need “a seat at the table” in major decisions, although council members also heard from one constitutional officer, Duval County Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland, who argued there was no need to change the existing process.
“It’s not just about dollars and cents,” Kevin Carrico, District 4 council member, said Tuesday. “It’s about culture [at JSO], and [Waters] has to lead that culture. If this is an arrow we need to get him in his quiver to help build a better culture, to help police our streets and keep us safe, we’re gonna give it to him.”